Sri Lanka skipper and opener Dimuth Karunaratne picked up from where he left in the second and final Test, to help his team reach 85/2 on a rain-truncated opening day against New Zealand in Colombo on Thursday.
In the 36.3 overs possible, the hosts lost Lahiru Thirimanne (2) and Kusal Mendis (32). Angelo Mathews (0*) was at the crease, along with Karunaratne.
The skipper, who struck a match-winning 122 in the second innings in Galle, continued his rich vein of form to remain unbeaten on 49. The hosts, who won the opening Test by six wickets, made a cautious start after Karunaratne won the toss and opted to bat after a delayed start.
Off-spinner William Somerville drew the first blood when he dismissed Thirimanne for two. Karunaratne and Mendis put on 50 runs for the second wicket before the latter fell for 32 to Colin de Grandhomme, who was drafted into the team for Mitchell Santner.
Sri Lanka brought in veteran spinner Dilruwan Perera for Akila Dananjaya, who along with Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson was reported for a suspect action for the second time in 10 months.
